So in a couple of hours 2011 will be over, and like many of you I felt the need to reflect on the past year. Originally this was simply going to be a list post, but sort of evolved into just general thoughts on the past 365 days. Anyway, here are some random thoughts, lists, observations, etc from 2011:
-Top 5 Albums of 2011 (you can read my entire list a couple posts back if you’re so inclined): 1) Bon Iver - Bon Iver; 2) Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues; 3) Kanye West & Jay Z - Watch the Thone; 4) The Decemberists - The King is Dead; 5) ANR - Stay Kids
- When considering my choices for best movies of the year, it’s important to remember that I live in an area that gets virtually no small release films. So there are plenty of movies I have not seen yet simply because I have not had access to them (or haven’t been able to find them using “other means”). Having said that, my Top 5 Movies of 2011: 1) Red State; 2) Attack the Block; 3) Drive; 4) I Saw the Devil; 5) X Men: First Class
-Top 5 TV Shows of 2011: 1) Breaking Bad; 2) Community; 3) Louie; 4) Game of Thrones; 5) Workaholics
-As far as video games go, I have not had much time to play most of the big releases this year (Skyrim, MW3, etc). The only game I have devoted a big chunk of time to is Batman: Arkham City, so I guess by default that makes it my game of the year.
-Favorite Books: Bossypants by Tina Fey and Shock Value by Jason Zinoman
The last thing I want I want this post to turn into is a pity party for myself, talking about how hard my year has been; though I suppose you have to reflect on the bad as well as the good. For me 2011 was filled with hard times, financial troubles, and death (twice). It has certainly not been easy, and there have been some extremely difficult obstacles to overcome, but I like to think that I am a stronger, better person because of them.
Despite all the troubles of the past year, 2011 also included the greatest decision I have ever made: marrying my best friend. When I am 80 years old and I think back on the year 2011, I won’t think of hardships or money or Breaking Bad (ok maybe Breaking Bad), I will think of it as the year that I married April Roberts. It is because of her that I have been able to make it through the rough times, and it is far more than just the highlight of my year, it is the highlight of my life thus far.
And now, a few random thoughts/memories to close out the year:
-I fell in love with Charleston, SC on our honeymoon this year. That town is amazing.
-I have the kind of wife that marathoned Fringe, Game of Thrones, and all the Star Wars movies with me.
-Way too much time was spent this year watching That 70s Show on Netflix. No regrets.
-Finally got to buy my new TV. It is glorious.
-Childish Gambino in ATL and Louis CK in Asheville
-I am the one who knocks.
-Campfires at John’s house
-Rediscovered my love of reading
-Tipton Street with the Dude Ranch
-Beer and Midcity with the Target crew (John, Josh, Logan, Chris)
-Rest In Peace Joshua Ellis and Cleo Roberts
-Will 2011 be the Year of the Dead Asshole (bin Laden, Qaddafi, Kim Jong-il) or the Year of the Protestor (Arab Spring, OWS, London)? Probably both.
-My kickass Chattanooga bachelor party.
-The Johnson City Post-Apocalypse Crew
-Ghost hunting in Roan Mountain
-The entire incredible/exhausting week of my wedding.
-This is the darkest timeline.
Stay safe tonight you guys, and have a great New Year.
